Showing posts with label Letting agents in Warrington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Letting agents in Warrington. Show all posts

Monday, 6 February 2023

Warrington Property Market Report January 2023


2023 is in full swing and the housing market is starting to return to its normal busy levels after the usual lull in December.

Buyers who are looking in February are serious about moving, which makes this one of the best months of the year to put your property on the market. The Spring Rush is on its way and will bring many more “window shoppers." Homebuyers who are looking now tend to be motivated and have a strong drive to find their next home.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 445 properties available for sale in Warrington. Last month, there were 430. Of the 445 properties that are currently available, 73 came to the market in the last two weeks. In December, there were 33 new properties that were new to the market; in November, there were 48; and in October, there were 71. This shows that the local real estate market is back to normal after the holiday slowdown.

The average price of properties in Warrington is £264,263, an increase from £252,677 in December and £250,004 in November. Despite the doom and gloom in the national media, the local property market is remaining strong.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket, with 192 currently on the market. This is an increase from last month, when there were 191, and the month before, when there were 170 available. In October, there were 158 available. This is good news for buyers and shows that the market has changed from a sellers' market to a buyers' market. Things have now calmed down to normal levels for the first time since the beginning of 2021, and there is now more choice once again for buyers.

There are 40 properties available in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This is nine more than last month and 12 more than the month before.

Properties in the £300,000 - £400,000 bracket remain the fastest movers, staying on the market for only 61 days, 19 days less than last month. In November, properties in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket were the fastest movers; they were on the market for 92 days.

Properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 bracket are now taking 100 days to sell. This is a decrease of 94% since November, when they were spending on average 194 days on the market. In December, they were taking 111 days to sell.

One-bedroom properties had a median price of £95,000 in January and December, up from £90,500 in November. They are currently sitting on the market for an average of 297 days, up from 288 in December and 289 in November. This is an increase from 249 days in October but is still a substantial decrease from 349 days in September.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Four-bedroom properties appear to be the fastest movers in Warrington, spending an average of only 86 days on the market, down from 91 days in November. They currently have an average price of £433,688, a 3.4% increase since December, when the average price was £419,277. The median price of a four-bedroom property in Warrington is now £422.500, up from £418,000 in December.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

In the last year, most sales in the Warrington area were of semi-detached homes, which sold for an average of £231,025. Terraced properties sold for an average of £167,618; detached properties fetched £399,330.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington were similar to the previous year and 7% higher than the 2020 peak of £220,010.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or, at the very least, remain strong in the first quarter of this year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Thursday, 10 November 2022

The Pros And Cons Of Being A Buy-To-Let Landlord


Buy-to-let property is often seen as an attractive way of accumulating wealth or as an alternative option to a pension. However, while purchasing buy-to-lets is undoubtedly a good investment, they are also a long-term commitment that require hard work and good financial planning.

If you are unsure as to whether to take the plunge and buy your first buy-to-let property then it is definitely worth considering the pros and cons of being a landlord before you invest.

PRO - Rental Income

This is the biggest incentive for people who buy a buy-to-let property. The idea of receiving regular income that not only pays off the mortgage on their buy-to-let property but also gives them a little bit extra in their pocket each month is a very attractive one.

CON - Rental Void

However, if your tenant misses a rental payment then you will be responsible for covering the mortgage payment yourself until they catch up and if you should have a period when your property is not let (a rental void) then you will be left covering all of the costs during that time too.

PRO - You’re your own boss

If you are fortunate enough to be making enough money from your rental properties to live on then you can have complete control over your income and your own time. The ability to work the hours you choose, make all the decisions and feel completely in control of their own life is what drives many landlords to build their property portfolio.

CON - Responsibilities

Being a landlord means you have both legal and moral responsibilities towards your tenants and no-one can choose or predict when urgent maintenance issues such as a leak may occur. For many people who are trying to hold down a full-time job alongside managing their buy-to-lets the responsibility is too much. An easier solution is to have your properties managed by a letting agent but this will of course cut into your profit.

PRO - Allowable expenses

You are permitted to deduct expenses from your rental income when working out your taxable rental profit. These expenses must be ‘wholly and exclusively for the purposes of renting out the property’ and includes maintenance costs, utility bills, agency fees and insurance payments.

CON - Costs

As soon as you start to make a profit from your buy-to-let property you are legally obliged to inform HMRC. You may be required to submit a tax return so that HMRC can calculate how much income tax you should pay. Buy-to-let property purchases are subject to higher stamp duty rates. Also when you sell a buy-to-let you must pay Capital Gains Tax on the amount that the property has increased in value during the time that you have owned it. Don’t forget to factor in costs such as the deposit, survey and conveyancing fees, renovation costs and the administrative costs for inventories, deposit protection, gas safety certificates and EPCs.

Being a landlord certainly requires more time, effort and planning than most people think it does but for those willing to put in the work it can be a highly profitable endeavour.

If you are considering becoming a landlord and would like to know more about how we can help you to manage your property please do give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to help you.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Warrington Property Market Report September 2022


The children are all settled back at school and the changing weather leaves us in no doubt that Autumn is definitely here. September is always a month of new beginnings. With Christmas just around the corner many people start to think about whether their home still works for their family.

The rising interest rates may be causing pause for thought but life continues, despite the rising cost of living and people will always need to move home; sometimes because of, and sometimes in spite of, the financial climate.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 402 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 71 more than last month. Of these 402, 63 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £249,807 with the median price at £220,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 145 currently on the market. There are 24 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This month, properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 bracket are the fastest movers, only on the market for 71 days. They are closely followed by properties in the £300,000 to £400,000 bracket which only remain on the market for 80 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 301 days to sell. This is similar to one-bedroom properties with a median price of £85,000 as they are currently sitting on the market for an average of 349 days. This has gone up from 337 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £257,015. Terraced properties sold for an average of £179,917, with detached properties fetching £442,748.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year and 12% up on the 2019 peak of £229,947.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Monday, 10 October 2022

Five Things That Can Cause Good Tenants To Leave


There are many reasons that tenants decide to give notice and many of these have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with either the property or their landlord. However, there are some things that cause tenants to leave that are completely preventable.

Rent is too high

Annual rent increases can increase rent beyond a level that the tenant is either able or willing to pay for your property. Make sure that any increases in rent are in line with rents for the local area. If you have a good tenant then sometimes avoiding a rental void while you look for a new tenant can be more financially beneficial than an increase in rent can be.

Upsizing

Your tenant may need a larger property due to a growing family or relatives needing to move in with them for health or financial reasons. While you cannot magically make your property larger, if you have a larger rental property available and they are good tenants it is always worth mentioning to them that you have a bigger property available if you are getting the impression that they are outgrowing their current home.

Neighbours

You may think that there is nothing you can do if your tenant does not get on with their neighbours however, this is not the case. Sometimes simply acting as a mediator between your tenants and their neighbours can be enough to solve any disputes. Listen to both sides. The neighbours may not even be aware that they are doing anything wrong. If that doesn’t help and they are renting, try discussing the problem with their landlord who is likely to be just as keen as you for peace to be resumed. If this does not yield any results then your next step is to get the local council involved. Unsightly piles of rubbish, noise disturbances and anti-social behaviour are all things that the council can help with.

Maintenance issues

This is something that is completely within your power to solve. Not fixing things you have promised to fix or not responding when a tenant contacts you about a maintenance issue can cause the relationship between you and your tenant to break down. Avoid losing good tenants because of maintenance issues by making sure that you resolve problems as soon as you are notified about them. Regular inspections give you an opportunity to spot issues before they grow. If you live far away or are too busy to be able to attend to problems swiftly then consider employing an agent to manage your property for you. It is cheaper than having rental voids due to losing good tenants.

Buying a home

Unless they would like to buy your property and you are happy to sell it to them then this is something you really can’t solve. Wish them well and ask them if they have any friends who are looking for somewhere to rent that they would recommend as tenants.

By keeping on top of issues that may cause your tenants to leave you can reduce tenant turnover and rental voids leading to a better experience for both you and your tenants. If you would like to discuss how we can help you to manage your property please give us a call on 01925 235 338.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page

Tuesday, 4 October 2022

How To Choose The Perfect Buy-To-Let Property


Purchasing a buy-to-let property can be an excellent and rewarding investment. If you choose the correct property then a good long-term income from your investment is nearly guaranteed. However, as with all investments, there are always risks. To try to mitigate these, here are a few things that you should bear in mind when looking for your perfect buy-to-let property.

Know your target market

Who is your target market? If your target market is students or young professionals you need to bear in mind their budget when they are looking for a property to rent and ensure that you do not purchase a property that will be too expensive for them to afford. Remember at all times when viewing potential properties that you are not looking to fall in love with a property for yourself. Buying a rental property should be a decision which is ruled over by your head, not your heart. Having said that, it can often help if you try to view a property through a potential tenant’s eyes as opposed to through a potential landlord’s eyes as that will allow you to see the things that might put a tenant off of your property.

Location, location, location

Look at local amenities and transport links and choose an area that will be attractive to your target market. For example students will need to be close to their lecture halls and local amenities. Being within walking distance of local restaurants and bars would make your property even more attractive to them. Families on the other hand will be interested in the catchment areas of the local schools and how peaceful the area is. It can be wise to invest in areas that you know well as your knowledge can help you to select a tenant who will enjoy living there. Remember happy tenants equal long-term renters which means less rental voids!

Go big?

Smaller properties often have less rental voids than larger properties as it can be harder to find tenants for larger, high rent properties. That is not to say that you should not invest in a larger property but you must be especially aware that if you do you should take care to ensure that it is both attractive to your target market in terms of the make and type of property and in a good location for them.

Do your homework

Property prices rise and fall. Large profits can be made from rental income when interest rates are low but rising interest rates can be a cause for concern for landlords. Make sure that you are aware of current trends in the market and keep on top of them even after you purchase your buy-to-let property in order to ensure that you are aware of and therefore can prepare for any upcoming issues.

If you are considering purchasing a buy-to-let property in Warrington and have any questions or would like to join our early bird list then please give us a call and we will be delighted to assist you.

Email me on manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call on 01925 235 338 – we are based on the Warrington Business Park, Long Lane, WA2 8TX. There is plenty of free parking and the kettle is always on.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page

Monday, 26 September 2022

6 Reasons People Are Not Buying Your Home That Might Surprise You

A recent survey revealed the top six things that can put potential buyers off of your home and they are not all as obvious as you might think.

Clutter

Clutter can make rooms feel smaller and is very off putting to buyers especially if they have to step over or go around it. Take some time to declutter your property. If you cannot bear to let go of items then consider renting a storage unit to put some of your things in until you move.


Dirt

You cannot clean too much when you are preparing your home for a viewing. Potential buyers are trying to envisage whether they can see themselves living in your property. Yes, dirty properties can be cleaned but most people find it hard to conjure up an image of what something can look like. So make sure that the image that you provide for them is a clean and welcoming one.

Clingy Sellers

Of course you are anxious to know how a viewing is going and want to make sure that the potential buyers are shown all of the most charming parts of your property. However, sellers that loiter during a viewing are more likely to put buyers off than encourage them to make an offer. This is because potential buyers need to have the opportunity to visualise themselves living in your property and that is much harder if the current homeowner is standing right in front of them constantly reminding them of the life that they are living in the property.

Smells

Unpleasant odours are a big no no for potential buyers. Make sure that you take the time to find the source of any unpleasant odours and deal with them. While you may be tempted to burn your favourite scented candle, be aware that no scent, however strong, can mask an unpleasant odour. Instead you end up with a mix of the two scents which can be highly unpleasant. Fresh air is the most attractive scent to buyers so make sure that your property has been well aired before any viewings.

The Goldilocks Effect

If a potential buyer feels too hot or too cold it will affect their perception of your home. You don’t want them to think of your property as ‘the cold house’ or ‘the hot house’. You want them to be as comfortable as possible during the viewing. 21°C is an ideal temperature, so consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly a couple of hours before each viewing.

Your estate agent

Rude and unhelpful agents don’t only annoy potential buyers, they may put them off of purchasing your property completely. Take some time when selecting your agent to talk to them about the local area and their experience of selling similar properties like yours. If you don’t find them to be knowledgeable and approachable then your potential buyers won’t either and it is important that when you leave them alone with your potential buyers during viewings that they have the social skills to be able to turn a potential buyer into an offer.

If you would like more advice on what you can do to present your property in its best light during viewings or are considering selling in the Warrington and would like a free no obligation valuation then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, whether you’re buying, selling or looking for an investment opportunity, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of the Warrington property market.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page

Monday, 12 September 2022

How To Make The Most Of Your Outdoor Space During The Colder Months

Your garden or outdoor space really comes into its own during the Summer months. Flowers bloom, birds sing and the sunshine basks everything in a warm and welcoming glow that entices us outside. You would be forgiven for thinking that once the glorious days of Summer are over that your outdoor space will become uninviting and unusable until the warmer days of Spring start to encourage you back outside but, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Light

Nothing makes us scurry inside faster than the nights drawing in. Your garden doesn’t have to be dark and gloomy as soon as the sun goes down though. Install some exterior lights and you will soon be able to enjoy your garden late into the evening. If you don’t have an outdoor plug, solar powered lights are both cheap to buy and low maintenance and just a few strings of solar powered fairy lights can turn a dark and unwelcoming garden into an inviting and cheerful one.

Winter house

Many of us have Summer houses in our gardens. They are lovely places to spend time reading, resting, socialising and enjoying our hobbies in. There is no need to stop using them as soon as Summer ends. Add a few blankets to make them nice and cosy and they can be transformed from a shady place from which to enjoy your garden in the Summer, into a snug and welcoming space to enjoy your outdoors from indoors during the colder months.

Heat it up

A well placed fire pit or chiminea can provide enough warmth to take the edge off of the chill in the evenings. As the year progresses take inspiration from Winter wonderlands and add a warm coat, a few blankets and some hot chocolate and keep socialising in your garden throughout the year.

Keep cooking

You don’t have to stop cooking outside just because Summer has ended. Outdoor pizza ovens are suitable to be used all year round and a well placed gazebo can allow you to use your BBQ even when the rain is pouring down. Investing in a gas BBQ with a good hood will even mean that you can still use it when the wind is howling, if you want to!

If you are considering selling your home in Warrington and would like some more tips on how you can make the most of your outdoor areas during the colder months please do give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

Wednesday, 7 September 2022

August 2022 Market Report for Warrington


August has been a month of extremes: a heat wave, first holidays abroad in two years, and constant talk of the cost of living increases. This is causing widespread worry, which is an uncomfortable feeling for many.

It’s also causing people to reassess their lifestyles and make changes where they’re able. Many people are considering downsizing in order to reduce their bills or release equity. The property market continues to move, as it always will, with families growing, people passing away, and moving jobs.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 331 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 48 more than last month. Of these 331, 67 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £254,573 with the median price at £210,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 122 currently on the market. There are 24 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. This month, properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 bracket are the fastest movers, only on the market for 71 days. They are closely followed by properties in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket which only remain on the market for 75 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 307 days to sell. This is similar to one-bedroom properties with a median price of £90,000 as they are currently sitting on the market for an average of 337 days. This has gone down from 397 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £256,092. Terraced properties sold for an average of £203,922, with detached properties fetching £431,100.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 2% up on the previous year and 16% up on the 2019 peak of £229,734.

This shows the high levels of activity in the local Warrington property market, which are likely to increase or at the very least, remain strong in the final quarter of the year. There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington.

If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Tuesday, 6 September 2022

Are You Unhappy With Your Letting Agent? We Can Help


Are you a landlord and are unhappy with your letting agent? Many landlords choose to put up with poor service from their letting agent rather than having to deal with the hassle of switching agents in the middle of a tenancy. Most will wait for their current tenancy to end and will then make a move. Others won’t even do that fearing that all letting agents are the same and that changing will be more hassle than it’s worth. This apathy is what bad letting agents rely upon but it doesn’t need to be that way.

Not all letting agents are the same! we believe that a letting agent should be providing you with excellent service, expert knowledge, professionalism and helpful advice from when they first start finding you a tenant to when that happy tenant leaves.

We believe that happy tenants make happy landlords as the happier your tenant is with their home the more likely they are to stay longer thus avoiding any rental voids and the more likely they are to take good care of your property.

If you are unhappy with your letting agent’s service then it is highly likely that your tenant is too.

So what can you do? The first thing is obviously to talk to your letting agent. Discuss your concerns and ask them how they will be dealing with these and what they will be doing in future in order to avoid these concerns arising again. This conversation may be enough to alleviate your worries. Just remember that actions speak louder than words. If you feel you are simply being placated each time you raise an issue then it may be a sign that it is time to change agents.

Before that though you will need to check the contract that you have signed with them. Is there a notice period that you need to give or a fee you have to pay in order to cancel the agreement mid-tenancy?

Once you have found this out everything else is easy. Choose the new letting agent that you would like to take over managing your property. Don’t forget to check reviews and get recommendations from people you trust.

Once you have informed your current agent that you intend to change agents your new letting agent can take over. They can collect all the paperwork and arrange for the name of the managing agent to be changed on the tenancy deposit scheme.

If you are changing your agent in the middle of a tenancy you should give your tenants a call to assure them that it won’t affect their occupancy at all. Then your new agent can pop round to meet your tenant, do a quick property inspection, ensure that all paperwork is up-to-date and give them the new bank details that they will need to start sending their rent to.

That’s it, all changed. It’s much easier than most people think it will be. Then you can relax knowing that your property is being looked after and you no longer need to worry about it.

If you are a landlord and are not 100% happy with the way that your letting agent is managing it then give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to discuss how we can help you to make renting out your property stress-free.

Tuesday, 30 August 2022

Six Reasons People Are Not Buying Your Home That Might Surprise You

A recent survey revealed the top six things that can put potential buyers off of your home and they are not all
as obvious as you might think.

Clutter

Clutter can make rooms feel smaller and is very off putting to buyers especially if they have to step over or go around it. Take some time to declutter your property. If you cannot bear to let go of items then consider renting a storage unit to put some of your things in until you move.

Dirt

You cannot clean too much when you are preparing your home for a viewing. Potential buyers are trying to envisage whether they can see themselves living in your property. Yes, dirty properties can be cleaned but most people find it hard to conjure up an image of what something can look like. So make sure that the image that you provide for them is a clean and welcoming one.

Clingy Sellers

Of course you are anxious to know how a viewing is going and want to make sure that the potential buyers are shown all of the most charming parts of your property. However, sellers that loiter during a viewing are more likely to put buyers off than encourage them to make an offer. This is because potential buyers need to have the opportunity to visualise themselves living in your property and that is much harder if the current homeowner is standing right in front of them constantly reminding them of the life that they are living in the property.

Smells

Unpleasant odours are a big no no for potential buyers. Make sure that you take the time to find the source of any unpleasant odours and deal with them. While you may be tempted to burn your favourite scented candle, be aware that no scent, however strong, can mask an unpleasant odour. Instead you end up with a mix of the two scents which can be highly unpleasant. Fresh air is the most attractive scent to buyers so make sure that your property has been well aired before any viewings.

The Goldilocks Effect

If a potential buyer feels too hot or too cold it will affect their perception of your home. You don’t want them to think of your property as ‘the cold house’ or ‘the hot house’. You want them to be as comfortable as possible during the viewing. 21°C is an ideal temperature, so consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly a couple of hours before each viewing.

Your estate agent

Rude and unhelpful agents don’t only annoy potential buyers, they may put them off of purchasing your property completely. Take some time when selecting your agent to talk to them about the local area and their experience of selling similar properties like yours. If you don’t find them to be knowledgeable and approachable then your potential buyers won’t either and it is important that when you leave them alone with your potential buyers during viewings that they have the social skills to be able to turn a potential buyer into an offer.

If you would like more advice on what you can do to present your property in its best light during viewings or are considering selling in the Warrington and would like a free no obligation valuation then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01925 235 338

Monday, 8 August 2022

Five Signs That It's The Right Time To Downsize


People downsize for a variety of reasons. Downsizing is selling your home in order to buy a smaller one. If you are thinking about downsizing but are still not sure whether it is the right decision for you we have rounded up the top five reasons that people downsize below.

Maintenance

Larger houses require more work to maintain them. This isn’t just limited to repairs but also weekly cleaning and basic upkeep. Maybe you are finding that you are not as mobile as you used to be, or that your priorities have changed and you would rather spend more time with family and friends rather than maintaining your home. Choosing to downsize can reduce the amount of maintenance that you have to do, freeing up your time to do more of the things that you enjoy.

Space

As families grow they need more space so over the years you will probably have moved several times to accommodate your growing family. However, once your children have grown and flown the nest you may well find that you feel like you are rattling around in a big empty home with lots of unused bedrooms. If you have more rooms than you know what to do with then it may be time to consider downsizing.

Health

Is maintaining your home taking its toll on your health? Or maybe you have developed some mobility issues and even with adaptations you are finding it difficult to cope with moving around in your home. A smaller property is not only easier to maintain but many people choose to downsize into a home with no stairs to assist with or prepare for potential mobility issues.

How does your home make you feel?

You should feel happy, safe and comfortable in your home. If these are not the feelings that your home elicits from you then you should definitely be considering moving. This is particularly true if being in your home makes you feel sad, lonely or scared. While moving will not automatically solve all of your problems, a fresh start in a new community may give you the opportunity to make new friends and feel safer.

Bills

The larger the property, the bigger the bills. The sharp increases in energy bills and the rising cost of living may be making you consider downsizing to reduce the size of your bills and make your monthly outgoings more sustainable. Alternatively if you have recently retired or if you or your partner have started to reduce your working hours then you may quickly find that your outgoings have started to outweigh your incomings. Downsizing can help to make your bills more manageable.

Choosing to downsize can be an emotional decision. If you would like to have an honest and sympathetic discussion about whether downsizing is right for you please give us a call on 01925 235 338 .

Wednesday, 3 August 2022

July 2022 Market Report For Warrington


How are your summer holidays progressing? We hope you’re enjoying yourselves and coping with the inevitable juggling act the kids off school presents.

The property market continues strong with our team busy helping Warrington move. The summer holidays are a great time to move home because it means you’ll be fully settled into your new place by the next school holidays, also known as Christmas time. The post-pandemic delays in sorting the paperwork once an offer has been accepted means you really need to factor a little longer into your home-move timeframe.

Let’s have a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the local Warrington property market.

There are currently 283 properties available for sale in Warrington. This is 8 more than last month. Of these 283, 59 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £257,282 with the median price at £230,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket with 94 currently on the market. There are 18 properties available, in the £500,000 to £1 million bracket. In May, properties in the £500,000 to £1,000,000 bracket were selling the fastest, only on the market for an average of 33 days. They are still the fastest but the length of time was extended to 49 days in June and that increased to 58 days in July. This month, properties priced between £300,000 and £400,000 are the second-fastest movers, only on the market for 65 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, are now taking 374 days to sell. This is similar to one-bedroom properties with a median price of £90,000 as they are currently sitting on the market for an average of 389 days. This has gone up from 326 days last month.

This is another example of how selling property can take longer than people often imagine. If you’re looking to upsize from your first home, or are an investor looking to change your portfolio, please bear this in mind when planning.

Let’s take a look at the annual figures now.

The majority of sales in Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £250,274. Terraced properties sold for an average of £180,622, with detached properties fetching £417,670.

Overall, sold prices in Warrington over the last year were 2% down on the previous year and 12% up on the 2019 peak of £229,734. When considering the facts presented in this way, the talk of an impending property crash can be explained as media sensationalism. There is cooling in the market prices but after the last couple of years, this is to be expected.

Babies are still being born, families' needs will continue to change, people will pass away, and others will get married or the opposite. Whatever happens with the cost of living and other external forces, the property market continues to rumble on. People often have to move home, rather than choose to. Don’t worry too much about the scaremongering and instead, focus on your needs and the needs of the people you’re closest to.There is a lot of demand and plenty of people looking to move around Warrington. If you’re thinking of selling your property, feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Monday, 1 August 2022

How To Make Moving Home Less Stressful


Moving home is an emotional time. You may be sad to be leaving your old home but at the same time be excited about moving into your new one. Finding the right home for you and your family can be a stressful experience and then just when you have finished jumping through all of the necessary hoops and signing all of the paperwork the most stressful part of all begins, moving!

However, with a little bit of planning you can help to reduce some of the moving day stress and make moving into your new home a more enjoyable experience.

Start now

If you are reading this blog then it is likely that you are either fast approaching your moving day, are actively looking to move or are considering moving. Whichever of these best describes you it is never too early to start getting ready to move. The best way to start is to get decluttering. It’s easy to think that you have lots of time and everyone loves a bit of procrastination but the sooner that you start dealing with all of your excess clutter the less stressed you will be in the long run as you will have less to pack.

Get ahead

If you really can’t bear to get rid of some of your belongings but also know that you won’t need them before you move then why not take the opportunity to get ahead with your packing and pop them in a box so that they are ready to go.

Measure

Will your furniture fit in your new home? If not then paying to move it will be a waste of money and finding out now will be less stressful than finding out on moving day. If you have sentimental attachment to any particular piece then see if a family member would like to use it until you move again otherwise see it as an opportunity to start afresh in your new home.

Label it

Clearly labelling each box with its destination and contents will make it easier for the removal company (or you) to know which room to put each box in on moving day. If you unexpectedly need something before you move and have already packed it then clear labels will make it easier to find it too. The same applies when you are in your new home and need something before you have finished unpacking.

The night before

Pack yourself a bag with your important paperwork, identity documents, daily medication, toiletries, chargers and a change of clothes. You may find that you are too tired on the first evening in your new home to start unpacking so make sure that you have everything you need to be able to comfortably spend the first night in your new home in that bag.

Try to relax

Moving day can be stressful. Try to avoid putting extra pressure on yourself by setting yourself goals about what time you want to be in by as delays can happen, or how quickly you must unpack. By approaching the day with a relaxed attitude you will be much more resilient to and therefore less stressed if any hiccups occur. Just focus on how you are going to feel at the end of the day when you are settled in your lovely new home and use that feeling to help carry you through the stresses of the day.

If you are thinking of moving in Warrington and would like more advice on moving home then please do give us a call on 01925 235 338.

Sunday, 24 July 2022

Is The Housing Market About To Crash?


There have been lots of mutterings in the media about how the housing market is going to be affected by the cost of living crisis and most of them paint a rather bleak picture. However, the media does not dictate the state of the housing market, homebuyers and sellers do and currently we at Hamlet Homes are still experiencing high levels of demand for every single property that we list.

Despite the rising cost of living, demand for properties in the month of May was more than double what it was in the same period prior to the pandemic.

When the pandemic began and the country was sent into lockdown there were bleak prophecies made then too about how the housing market would be affected but instead of house prices plummeting they instead soared. Lockdowns had an effect on people's priorities and made them reassess their lifestyle with many deciding a house move was their next best step.

Since then house prices have continued to rise. Indeed according to Rightmove’s June Price Index in June the property market had a fifth record breaking price increase this year.

There was a 13% increase in the number of sellers in June this year compared to June 2021 which combined with the cost of living crisis may slow down the rapid increase in property prices. However, Rightmove has revised its annual growth forecast upwards from the 5% it predicted at the beginning of the year to 7% demonstrating that the market certainly isn’t about to flop anytime soon.

The increase in the number of sellers will be a relief to buyers who have been struggling to find a suitable property in this fast paced market. However, they should not be lulled into thinking that this means that competition for properties will be reduced. Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Science wrote “We’re hearing from agents that though they might have had slightly fewer enquirers for each property in recent months, they’re still seeing significant interest from multiple buyers and are achieving successful sales”.

Therefore if you are looking to buy a property it is still very important that you put yourself in as attractive a position as possible in order to increase the likelihood that a seller will select your offer. Ensuring that you have already accepted an offer on your own property and getting pre-approved for a mortgage are becoming necessities in order for your offer to be taken seriously in the current market.

The rush to move created by the pandemic has caused a large backlog for conveyancers and the period of time that it is taking to move from having your offer accepted to reaching completion day is currently 150 days. This is being blamed on the fact that there are 44% more properties that are currently sold subject to contract, with buyers awaiting completion, than there were during the same period in 2019.

This means that if you would like to be in your new home in time for Christmas you need to be putting your property on the market now.

Deciding when to sell your home is a very personal decision. If you have been considering moving in Warrington and are not sure if now is the right time please do give us a call on

01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to have an honest conversation with you to help you decide what is best for you and your family.

Sunday, 10 July 2022

Diy Dos And Diy Don'ts!


The sun is shining and the long Summer evenings make us feel like we have plenty of time in the day. Plenty of time to get on with all of those jobs that we kept putting off during Winter! For many of us now is the best time to get out our tools and fix things that have been bothering us and upgrade our homes.

However, you should always keep in mind that any DIY you do to your property should not just create a better and more enjoyable home for yourself and your family but should also add value to your property when you decide to sell it.

You may be surprised to know that some DIY projects can actually devalue your home and DIY disasters can cost homeowners 1000s of pounds to fix.

Be realistic

We all know it’s tempting to try and save some money by doing jobs around our homes ourselves but if you are not particularly gifted at DIY then consider getting a professional in to help.

Start small

Small jobs are a great place to start building up your skills and your confidence. Start by replacing broken light bulbs, oiling creaky hinges and fixing broken kitchen cabinet handles. If small jobs are neglected in your home then it can give the impression to visitors or potential buyers that your home is not cared for and may cause them to worry that there are bigger problems that they have not noticed.

First impressions

Once you have finished all the small jobs the first thing that should get your attention is the front of your home. It is true that first impressions matter and whether you want to increase your kerb appeal in order to attract potential buyers or if you would simply like to impress your guests, the state of the front of your home is the first thing that they will see. A fresh coat of paint on your front door and a clean and tidy front path will make your home a welcoming place to visit. Not convinced? Good kerb appeal can add 2-3% to the value of your home!

Bathrooms

Beware of removing baths in favour of trendy wet rooms. These can actually devalue your home as properties without baths are less attractive to families. This will decrease the pool of people your home attracts which means less competition for your property which can lead to a lower sale price.

No DIY

If you are no good at DIY and can’t afford to hire the help of professionals then there are many things that you can do to improve your home that require no DIY skills at all. Decluttering your home can have a huge effect on the feel of your home as can a deep clean.

If you are considering a big DIY project or major renovation then do give us a call on 01925 235 338 to discuss how it will affect your property price. Not all projects will add value to your home and you should also be aware of the maximum price that properties will sell for in your area to avoid spending more than you can recoup.

Monday, 20 June 2022

Six Mistakes To Avoid Making When Selling Your Property


Over pricing

In 2018 Zoopla analysed the data it had on the initial price properties were listed for and their final sale price and discovered that properties that were overpriced can take two months longer to sell than properties that start with a realistic sale price.

One of the key filters on property websites is price so if your property is overpriced fewer people are going to see it and those that do will be comparing it, likely unfavourably, to others in that price bracket.

Inevitably you will have to lower your price as your property remains unsold. Buyers however, are keen to see properties that are new to the market as they believe that there must be something wrong with properties that have been on the market for a while.

Over personalised

You are selling your buyers their future home. If you have covered the walls with posters or personal photos consider taking them down. That way buyers can see the potential of a room without being overwhelmed by the sight of your personal belongings.

Neutral tones

When you put your property on the market you need to remember that if your taste is rather eccentric it can delay you selling your property and maybe even lower the price you eventually get for your home. Buyers like properties that they can put their own stamp on. If you have any particularly garishly decorated rooms do consider redecorating in neutral tones to increase your chances of a quick sale.

Take children and pets out

Potential buyers want to be able to look around your home in peace. Being trailed by children and pets, especially if they are allergic or terrified of your four-legged friends, can not only make them feel uncomfortable but will also ruin their opportunity to look at your home properly.

Clean and declutter

Dirty houses immediately make a bad impression and clutter can make even a large house feel claustrophobic. Take some time to declutter and clean your house. Cleaning windows can increase the amount of light entering your home, if it is evening turn on your lights to create a warm glow. Making coffee and baking bread during viewings are a cliché but the smell of furniture polish and fresh flowers are an easy way to make a home feel loved and cared for.

Choose the right estate agent

Choosing the first estate agent who comes to value your home or selecting an agent simply because they suggested the highest price can lead to problems further down the line. Take time to ask several agents to value your home and discuss with them why they think your property is worth the value they have suggested. Ask for examples of other local properties that they have sold in recent months, the prices they have achieved for them and the length of time that they have taken to sell them. Reviews from past clients are invaluable when choosing an estate agent to trust to sell your property.


If you are considering selling your property in Warrington please give us a call on 01925 235 338 and we will be delighted to give you a free valuation.


Tuesday, 14 June 2022

May 2022 Market Report for Warrington


As we leave the Spring market behind and step into the Summer market, a brief look at what’s been happening over the last month in the property market shows some encouraging signs.

There are currently 197 properties available for sale in Warrington. Of these 197, 47 were new to the market in the last two weeks. The average price of properties in Warrington is £246,541 with the median price at £200,000.

Most of the properties available are in the £100,000 to £200,000 bracket. There are also 2 properties available that are priced at over £1 million. Properties in the £500,000 to £1,000,000 bracket sell the fastest, only on the market for an average of 33 days. Properties in the £200,000 to £300,000 bracket also sell fast, only being on the market for 46 days.

Properties priced at £100,000 and under, take the longest to sell at 323 days. This is similar to one-bedroom properties that have a median price of £90,000 and remain on the market for 350 days. This is important to bear in mind if you’re thinking of upsizing or selling an investment property. The timescales involved may be longer than you had first imagined.

Looking at the annual figures shows just how strong, and indeed unusual, the Warrington property market has been.

Properties around Warrington had an overall average price of £252,534 over the last year.

The majority of sales around Warrington during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £236,814. Detached properties sold for an average of £386,016, with terraced properties fetching £174,310.

Overall, sold prices around Warrington over the last year were 4% up on the previous year and 17% up on the 2019 peak of £214,923.

Checking the most recent land registry figures is interesting, albeit a couple of months behind as it refers only to completed sales. In March 2021, 40 detached Warrington homes were sold compared to only 4 last March. Semi-detached homes show a similar change from 54 to 19. Terraced properties sold 78 last year and only 16 this year.

This reduction is not a sign of a crash or anything so dramatic. It is merely a slowing and, hopefully, a sign of the market starting to correct itself. This should mean that demand and supply are more balanced and prices settle once again.

If you’re looking for further information about the Warrington property market, please feel free to contact us. If you’re thinking of selling or buying, letting or renting a Warrington property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call 01925 235 338 or email staff@hamletwarrington.co.uk.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page

Thursday, 9 June 2022

The 6 Reasons Warrington Rental Properties Could Inflation Proof Your Savings?


  • Inflation (and recessions) can be nerve racking for people and their hard-earned savings and wealth.
  • Yet there are six reasons which make investing in private rental properties a potentially wise investment in these changeable times.
  • This article looks at how investing in Warrington property could help you 'hedge' against inflation and protect your savings and wealth against the possible recession.
The cost-of-living predicament is threatening the budgets of many Warrington householders.

Inflation is running at 7.8%, yet the best savings rates in the market are only 2.75% (because of low Bank of England interest rates). This means that the value of people’s savings is falling fast.

To add insult to injury, the possibility of a recession on the horizon could add another nail in the coffin of people’s wealth and savings.

Looking back at the last recession (ignoring the 2020 Covid recession), the Stock Market (FTSE index) dropped 40.1% during the Credit Crunch (2008/9) - scarcely a soothing thought if you worry about a recession looming in the next couple of years.

A recession can have a catastrophic impact on household budgets, as a weaker economy characteristically means that salaries drop, and people get made redundant.

So, why do I suggest Warrington rental properties will help to
protect your wealth and hedge against inflation?

Warrington rentals aren’t perfect, yet in many ways, they go a long way to help – let me tell you why.

1. One of the most significant benefits of investing in residential property is to hedge against inflation. An ‘inflation hedge’ is an investment that defends against the decreased purchasing power of your money that results from the loss of its worth/value due to inflation.

The last time the UK suffered high and persistent inflation was the 1970s.

In 1973, the average British house was worth £9,942. In 1980, that same house was worth £23,287. If the same £9,942 had been invested instead in the stock market in 1973, it would have been worth £19,384 in 1980. 

So how did that compare to inflation?

Neither property nor the stock market beat inflation in those seven years (as the goods and services of that £9,942 in 1973 had risen to £25,897 by 1980).

But investing in the stock market between 1973 and 1980, that stock market investor would have lost 25.2% of their investment in 'real terms’, compared with only 10.1% for property investors.

However, there was the bonus of seven years’ worth of rent!

To give you some idea of what that would be worth in today's figures (even if the rent didn't go up during that time frame) ...

The average Warrington landlord will earn £70,728
in rent over seven years.

2. Rental properties have repetitive, regular monthly income, whilst dividends from the stock market are dependent on there being profits which, in a recession, can be hit and miss.

3. Existing Warrington landlords know that the rents their rental properties achieve don’t historically decline during recessions in the medium term.

In 2008, Warrington rents dipped by 5.2%, yet they soon
bounced back a year later.

And even if average rents do go down, every rent is fixed at the start of the tenancy. Also, it 
is infrequent for a tenant to negotiate a reduction in rent mid-tenancy even if average rents 
did drop.

4. Property prices sometimes fall during recessions.

In the 2008 Credit Crunch recession, Warrington
property values dropped 20.9%.

Dropping from £172,562 at the peak in November 2007 to £136,426 in February 2009 
(before they started to rise again).

Yet as I stated above, the Stock Market dropped 40.1% with the Credit Crunch. Also 
previously, the Stock Market dropped 36% on Black Monday before the early 1990’s 
recession and 55.3% in 1974.

Which sort of drop would you prefer?

5. (Almost) guaranteed rental payments. Insurance can be taken out for rental payments (you can’t get that on stocks and shares). Also, the government will cover most (or all) of the rent when someone is made redundant and needs to apply for social security.

6. For those Warrington landlords who take a mortgage, inflation can be a benefit. The first is the effect of inflation on mortgage debt. As Warrington house prices rise over time, it reduces the loan to value percentage of your mortgage debt and increases your equity. You will receive a lower interest rate when you re-mortgage in the future because of the lower loan to value percentage.

Also, as the equity in your Warrington rental property increases, assuming you fix your mortgage, your payments stay the same.

Finally, inflation also helps Warrington buy-to-let landlords because rents tend to increase with inflation. So as rents go up, your fixed-rate buy-to-let mortgage payments stay the same, creating the prospect of more significant profit from your buy-to-let investment.

Yet, there are downsides to renting.

Rent arrears can be a worry though. However, during 2021, landlords who used a letting agent were, according to an investigation from Denton House Research, 272.5% less likely to be in arrears of two months or more.

One of the biggest reasons is the more stringent tenant referencing that letting agents tend to do compared to landlords who do it themselves. At our agency, we like to reference tenants carefully for job security, stability, and any history of non-payment on rents, always liaising with previous landlords/agents to see if they were a good tenant.

That is why many tenants with a poor tenancy record are attracted to properties that are not through agents, as they know most (not all) DIY landlords don’t reference their tenants as thoroughly as letting agents do. Solid referencing is not a 100% guarantee you won’t get rent arrears or have your rental property trashed, yet it will go a long way to mitigate it.

One of the things about investing in Warrington rental properties is that buy-to-let investors have more control over their returns than stock market investors do. Buy-to-let provides long term stability and constant income to counterweight the massive swings seen in the FTSE stock market.

There is something reassuring about touching and feeling
your investment – the 'bricks and mortar’.

You must make your own decision when investing in the private rental market in Warrington. If you'd like to chat over the phone for five or ten minutes to discuss where I would be investing in the Warrington property market, don't hesitate to send me a message or pick up the phone.

How are you planning for the spectre of a potential recession?

If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, whether you’re buying, selling or looking for an investment opportunity, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of the Warrington property market.

Email me on manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call on 01925 235 338 – we are based on the Warrington Business Park, Long Lane, WA2 8TX. There is plenty of free parking and the kettle is always on.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page
 

Friday, 27 May 2022

Spare Room? 5 Ways to Make it Work for You


If you’re fortunate enough to have a spare room in your home then there are lots of ways you can make full use of it, without letting it go to waste.

Unfortunately, spare rooms often become dumping grounds for all those items that haven’t found their place yet, or which don’t get used anymore but you can’t bear to let go of either.

If this sounds familiar, then clear it out and consider these five ways to make your spare room work for you.


1. Convert it into a Home Office


With more of us now working from home, turning your spare room into a home office could be just what you need, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

All you really need is a basic desk or worktop that can be easily fixed to the wall and an office chair. That’s it. Of course, you can add filing cabinets, bookcases, shelves and anything else that springs to mind, but a work surface and a chair will be adequate to get you started.

The beauty of it is, it’s your space to personalise exactly how you want, and it’s far better for your posture than being curled up on the sofa with your laptop. It’s also a great way of separating your home and work life, with the dining room table going back to being the space where you eat, and the office being exclusively for work.

Thinking longer term, demand for properties with a home office has increased dramatically recently, so an office space could make your home more attractive to buyers if you plan to sell in the future.


2. Home Gym


This is probably the most expensive option on the list, but it’s also the most beneficial healthwise, and you’ll save money on gym membership over the long term.

You can start small and build up your equipment. Purchase a mat, a step, some dumbbells or kettlebells, resistance bands and a bench to start with, before moving onto bigger and more expensive equipment such as a treadmill, spin bike or rowing machine if there’s sufficient space.

If you use it regularly you’ll not only become physically fitter, but your mental wellbeing will improve too.

Having a gym inside your home will also help you avoid making excuses to exercise and ensure you start working on those fitness goals you’ve been putting off!

3. Rent it Out


If you’re looking for some extra income then renting out the spare room is the perfect solution.

There are numerous ways to do this and understandably many people are quite sceptical, so if the idea of having a stranger living in your home is too daunting then you could rent it out to a friend or relative for a few months first.

On the other hand, if the idea of a stranger staying doesn’t bother you then a lodger will give you a guaranteed monthly income. You could also advertise the room on a website like Airbnb and have different guests using it for shorter stays.

The downside of doing this is that you won’t know how much you’ll earn each month, as some months could be very quiet, but if you live in a town or city with lots of attractions and events happening regularly, then this could be the most lucrative option.

If you choose to rent out your spare room the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows you to earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free.

4. Make it Multi-Functional


There’s no reason why your spare room needs to have one sole purpose. Why not combine ideas to get maximum use out of it?

For example, you could have a home office with a sofa-bed and a TV in it. This way you’ll have a workspace combined with a snug or second living room, and a place for visitors to stay.

Or you could have an office, with a bar and a dartboard in it for after hours! There are countless possibilities and you can be as creative as you like, so let your imagination run wild.

5. Walk-in Wardrobe


Admit it, we’ve all watched one of those celebrity TV shows at some point and thought how cool it would be to have a room filled with all our clothes!

Well fortunately you don’t need to be a millionaire with a mansion to have this yourself, just a spare room and of course, a lot of clothes and shoes to fill it with.

When it comes to cost, you don’t need to fork out hundreds of pounds on new wardrobes and cupboards. Just some clothes rails and a few shelves will do the trick if you plan it well.

What will you use your spare room for?

Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, whether you’re buying, selling or looking for an investment opportunity, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of the Warrington property market.

Email me on manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call on 01925 235 338 – we are based on the Warrington Business Park, Long Lane, WA2 8TX. There is plenty of free parking and the kettle is always on.

Don't forget to visit the links below to view back dated deals and Warrington Property News.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOUR WARRINGTON HOME IS WORTH FOR FREE
Hamlet Homes Warrington, your local Estate Agent
Follow my Warrington Property Market Blog
Hamlet Homes Warrington LinkedIn Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Facebook Page
Hamlet Homes Estate Agents Warrington Twitter Page


Friday, 20 May 2022

7 Ways to Deal with Noisy Neighbours in Warrington


Everyone should be able to enjoy peace and tranquility in their own home, but if you’re unfortunate enough to have a noisy neighbour disturbing you, then you don’t have to put up with it. Here are a few ways in which to tackle the issue.

1. Talk to Your Neighbour

It’s surprising how often a quiet word with your neighbour can quickly nip any issues in the bud.

Many people aren’t always aware of how much noise they’re making or how it affects people around them. When challenged on their behaviour, rather than becoming defensive or aggressive, they’re often mortified and apologetic, so a quick chat at the front door can be surprisingly effective.

Just ensure you choose your moment though. If it’s the middle of the night and there’s music blaring, you’re unlikely to be knocking on their door with a clear head. Wait until the following morning and have a quiet word with them in a calm, polite manner.

Being aggressive or threatening will only make the situation worse, so take a few deep breaths, think about what you’re going to say, and have a quiet chat with them at an appropriate time.

2. Keep a Noise Diary

If noise issues are persistent, then it’s worth keeping a diary of the times and dates of when it’s happening.

If the situation escalates and you find yourself having to contact a third party, then it’s likely that at some point you’ll be asked for details, so keeping a diary or even a sound recording will help your case if the disturbances continue.

3. Contact Their Landlord


If your neighbour is renting their property, then there will be a landlord who is ultimately responsible for the property, and the chances are they’ll be horrified to find out their tenants are causing problems.

It may be the council, a housing association or a private landlord, but regardless of who it is, there will be a clause in their contract which prohibits them from causing a nuisance to neighbours.

If you’ve spoken to your neighbours directly and the appeals have fallen on deaf ears, then a firm word from their landlord may be just the incentive they need to quieten down.

4. Contact the Local Council


If you’ve spoken to your neighbour directly and had no joy, and you’ve had no luck getting hold of their landlord if they’re tenants, then the next step is to contact the local council.

Councils have an obligation to investigate any reported nuisances, and they can issue your neighbour with an abatement notice, which will effectively mean they have to keep the noise down or face a fine of up to £5,000.

In the first instance though, the council are likely to suggest mediation. This is where you and your neighbours will sit down and discuss the issue while a neutral third party sits in on the discussion and acts as a mediator.

You may also consider arranging mediation yourself before contacting the council. Providing your neighbour agrees to this, then it’s definitely worth trying first, as any complaint you make to the council is kept on record, which could make your property harder to sell in future.

5. Contact the Police

If it’s just a noise complaint, then the police are unlikely to intervene. However, if your neighbour has become aggressive or violent or is harassing you, you should contact the police.

They can take much firmer action than your local council and bring criminal charges against your neighbour if necessary.

6. Take Legal Action Against Them

If the noise issues are persistent, then as a last resort, you can consider taking legal action against your neighbour.

You should contact a solicitor who specialises in disputes with neighbours to seek their advice and find out the costs and the process involved.

Your solicitor may initially send a letter to your neighbour, with the aim being that potential court action will be enough to stop them from continuing with their noisy behaviour.

If that fails, then taking them to court is the next step. Taking court action should be a last resort once you’ve exhausted all other avenues, and you should be aware that the costs can be extremely high.

7. Move Away

It sounds extreme and no one should be forced to leave their home, so this is far from being an ideal solution. However, if you’ve been battling your neighbours for months and the council haven’t been able to help, then it may be best for your health to consider a move.

Disputes with neighbours can cause huge amounts of stress and health problems, and even though a move may be your last resort, it could be the best thing for you.

Hamlet Homes Warrington are your local property experts for the Warrington area. Call us on 01925 235 338 or email manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

If you are looking for an agent that is well established, professional and communicative, whether you’re buying, selling or looking for an investment opportunity, then contact us to find out how we can get the best out of the Warrington property market.

Email me on manoj@hamletwarrington.co.uk or call on 01925 235 338 – we are based on the Warrington Business Park, Long Lane, WA2 8TX. There is plenty of free parking and the kettle is always on.

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